Weekend Preview: Best Events 8/3-8

Classical music under the stars, interior design pop-up boutique debut, chocolate and wine for a cause, and high fashion at a low cost – just another beautiful weekend in America’s Finest City.

In the heat of summer, we locals take a minute to cool off by enjoying live classical music during SummerFest, which begins with a free outdoor concert in the park this Wednesday evening. Embrace more culture as Thursday Night Thing unveils the brand new Product Porch pop-up boutique, after hours at the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you’re looking for a fashion fix, party with Sassy City Chicks as they transform the Culy Warehouse into the ultimate girl’s night out with cocktails, spa services and big discounts on hot designer looks, Friday and Saturday evening in East Village. But make sure to save some energy and look ahead to next Wednesday as the Chocolat & Vino Affair gives you reason to indulge for a cause at Stingaree.

Discover this weekend’s best San Diego events, as featured in this week’s San Diego Union Tribune “Night & Day Street” DiscoverSD section, hitting streets on Thursday, August 4.

SummerFest Under the Stars at Ellen Browning Scripps Park – August 3

Although many fear the end of the season is near, it turns out the true sounds of summer are just getting started. The La Jolla Music Society presents the return of SummerFest, a classical music concert series that will feature more than 70 artists during the month of August. The season opens with SummerFest Under the Stars, a free outdoor concert at Ellen Browning Scripps Park on Thursday, August 3. During the show, guests will enjoy music from DVOŘÁK, Borodin, and Monti among others. SummerFest continues on August 4 and runs through August 26 with a variety of classical music concerts taking place at the MCASD Sherwood Auditorium. Get details here.

TNT: Emerge at Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego – August 4

The museum’s popular monthly event series, Thursday Night Thing intrigues a young demographic with interactive art exhibits, cocktail bars, DJs and live entertainment, taking place after regular hours. This month’s Thursday Night Thing, or TNT, is dedicated to the unveiling of Product Porch, a new pop-up boutique opening for 6 months of experimentation in interior design and retail shopping. During TNT you can admire and purchase hand-made accessories, statement art, and furniture, while sipping cocktails, making art and jamming to live beats by San Diego Music Award nominated artists. TNT takes place at the downtown museum from 7 to 10pm. Get details here.

Film Pop-Up: These Amazing Shadows at Gaslamp Theatre – August 4

The San Diego Film Festival is gearing up for the 2011 cinematic celebration by hosting a new film pop-up event series, taking place the first Thursday of every month at the Gaslamp Theatre. For a mid-summer taste of the fall film festival experience, head to the Gaslamp Theatre on Thursday, August 4 to watch These Amazing Shadows. This 2011 Sundance favorite is a documentary that tells the history and importance of the Registry, a roll call of American cinema treasures that reflects the diversity of film and the American experience. The cocktail reception begins at 6pm, followed by the screening of These Amazing Shadows at 7pm. The documentary’s producers Paul Mariano and Suzanne Chapot will then take the stage for a Q&A with attendees. Get details here.

Sassy City Chicks Summer Fashion Bash at Culy Warehouse – August 4-5

The Sassy City Chicks are back in action, hosting the ultimate girl’s night out shopping party with discounts of 50-80% off on designer brands like LnA, BB Dakota, DVF, BCBG and more. Pick up new duds for your summer ensemble, enjoy a variety of free spa services, and don’t forget to sip on a few cocktails and pick up your swag bag full of stylish goodies. Celebrating summer with a bang, Sassy City Chicks are taking over Culy Warehouse in East Village for two nights, from 5 to 10pm. Get details here.

Cinema en tu Idioma at UltraStar Mission Valley – August 5-11

Now in its 12th year, the San Diego Latino Film Festival’s Cinema en tu Idioma kicks off on Friday, August 5. This mini film festival features a variety of movie showings at the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinema in Hazard Center through August 11, including Without Men, All She Can, Blue Eyes, and Forged. General admission tickets are $10. Keep the celebration going at the Opening Night After Party at the W Hotel starting at 8pm. Get details here.

Free Weezer Concert at Del Mar Racetrack – August 6

Del Mar’s popular summer concert series, 4 O’ Clock Fridays, features a live show after the last Thoroughbred horse race of the day every Friday, as well as bonus Saturdays. This week, local music lovers will unite as Weezer returns to San Diego to perform live at the racetrack’s Seaside Stage on Saturday evening. The concert is free with track admission, or you may attend the concert for $20. Get details here.

Chuckie Spins Intervention Sunday at Hard Rock Hotel – August 7

Popularly known simply as Chuckie, this Dutch DJ and prodcuer originally grew up in Suriname and was early influenced by the large number of musical genres of the country. Nowadays this celebrated entertainer travels the globe to spin at many of the hottest parties in the house and electro scene. Intervention is the top pool party in San Diego, taking place on the fourth floor outdoor deck of the Hard Rock Hotel. Don’t miss Chuckie spinning live under the summer sun this Sunday. Get details here.

San Diego Music Awards at Humphrey’s – August 8

Now in its 21st year, the San Diego Music Awards provide individuals with an opportunity to vote for their favorite local musicians. From Best Hard Rock to Best Hip Hop, music lovers weigh in on who they think were the top musicians of the year. Once the votes are tallied, winners will be announced in a ceremony happening on August 8 at Humphrey’s in Shelter Island. The winning ceremony will also include several live performances. Fans will get a chance to witness some of the hottest bands of the year, including The Silent Comedy, Dynamite Walls, Little Hurricane, Cuckoo Chaos, Sue Palmer and Candye Cane, Wavves, and Gilbert Castellanos. In addition, local punk-rock band The Penetrators will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award. Get details here.

Coronado Grub Sprawl at Participating Restaurants – August 8

We’ve all attended our fair share of Pub Crawl parties, most taking place at the many rowdy bars along Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach, but have you ever heard of a Grub Sprawl? It’s a simple difference that completely reinvents the appeal; instead of drinking at various pubs, during a Grub Sprawl you taste signature dishes at top restaurants in one area, in one night. If you prefer beer battered fish tacos to a simple pint of beer, this event is for you. The next Grub Sprawl is taking place in Coronado on Monday, August 8, featuring a culinary tour of Brigantine Seafood, Miguel's Cocina, Costa Azul, Bistro D'Asia and more Coronado restaurants. Pick up a free wristband, and spend the evening tasting pre-selected entrees at each venue for just $5 each. Get details here.

Chocolat & Vino Affair at Stingaree – August 10

Calling all chocolate lovers in San Diego! You’re not going to want to miss the most delicious San Diego charity event of the year, the Chocolat & Vino Affair taking place on Wednesday, August 10 at Stingaree. The Young Professionals Committee of San Diego hosts the annual fundraiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County. From 6 to 9pm, guests will enjoy a spread of decadent desserts and rich wines from acclaimed local and national vendors, including Eclipse Chocolat, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Edible Arrangements, The Melting Pot, Starry Night, One Hope Wine, Falkner Winery, Heck Estates, Monte de Oro, Las Piedras, A+ Wine Designs and more. The event is from 6 to 9pm, and presale tickets start at $45 per person. Get details here.

More Recommended San Diego Events Include:

Wormstock: Industry Wednesday at Side Bar - August 3

DJ Five Spins Wednesday at Guest House - August 3

Culinary Cinema Series: Noodle at Oceanside Museum of Art – August 4

Mickey Avalon Hosts Friday at Stingaree - August 5

Latin American Festival & Mata Ortiz Pottery Market – August 5-7

Vans Warped Tour Battle of the Bands at 4 & B – August 6

Luxurious Ladies Day with Spa Gregorie’s at the Del Mar Racetrack – August 7

Lemon Festival in Chula Vista – August 7

Feed Me 18+ Show at Voyeur – August 7

Discover more San Diego entertainment ideas on our San Diego events calendar.